Kevin has joined the UBC Community United Way office in August 2014 from Campus Security and is a member of CUPE 116.
Why did you decide to apply for this secondment?
During my patrols across campus as a Campus Security member, I remember United Way banners adorning Main Mall street posts and seeing the energy at UBC United Way campaigns. This year, I decided to apply to become a United Way Campaign Associate to join in the excitement and work with university colleagues to help make a positive difference in our local communities.
In addition, this secondment position presented great opportunities to improve my public speaking, project management skills, and for me to build stronger relationships with our campus community members.
As a CUPE 116 member what is this experience like for you?
My time as a Campaign Associate has provided me an extraordinary chance to meet a wide variety of people from across the Lower Mainland. As a CUPE 116 member, the experience has granted me the opportunity to create connections with other Union Local members from CUPE Local 402 and CUPE Local 454, whom I am working along with side-by-side in the United Way campaign.
I have also learned about the long and proud partnership between the Canadian Labour Congress and the United Way movement that have come together to find solutions and to strengthen our local communities – where our children and families live. Building strong and healthy communities with partners – fellow citizens of my community – makes me very proud to represent CUPE 116 as a Campaign Associate.
What were you hoping to achieve by taking on this position?
Jumping into this position with both feet in, I desire to continue improving my personal and professional development in project management, facilitation, and public speaking. I can include myself as one who is hesitant to speak publicly so this position allows me to confront my fear through giving presentations to colleagues and the greater campus community. Speaking publicly about a subject I am passionate about definitely makes it easier! I want to become more involved in my community, and this position allows for a very active role.
Do you have a personal connection to United Way?
I am a Cub Scout leader who has been involved with Scouts Canada since I was a youth. Unbeknownst to me prior to taking on this role, United Way has been a long time funder and supporter of Scouts Canada. Scouts has helped me gain confidence and positive social skills in my youth, which has carried into my interest to volunteer today to pass on knowledge to this generation to be responsible citizens in their community. I am proud to be a Campaign Associate in this year’s United Way campaign to continue fundraising for programs that help at-risk children or youths who live in poverty so that they can become all that they can be.
I am also proud of CUPE 116 involvement in supporting our community through United Way. From Campus Security lost and found sales to employee donations – your help makes a great difference to making where we live a better, more inclusive place.